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Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.130.8.870

Prior research has suggested that the competency referral has often been utilized for purposes other than evaluation of the defendant's mental competency to stand trial. This study, which analyzed referral rates in terms of differential arrest rates by crime and by geographical areas, provides more substantial findings on the factors affecting competency referrals. Proximity to evaluation facilities and knowledge concerning the use of competency evaluation laws were among the identified factors.

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